At a Glance

The Colorado Plateau has created monuments shaped by winter snows, rain and geological upheaval over a span of time eluding human comprehension. Even with an understanding of geology, the multi-hued amphitheaters and hoodoos of Bryce, the cathedral canyons of Zion and the lush North Rim of the Grand Canyon seem improbable — inspiring wonder and defying imagination. Venture into these breathtaking national parks to discover their evolution through geologic time and the natural history and human stories that also color this country.

Activity Level

Varies by date

Varies by date. Elevations up to 8,000 feet. Moderate: Walking up to one mile on varied terrain. Active: Walking three miles daily on varied terrain. Elevations up to 9,115 feet.

Best of all, you'll ...

Hike in Zion National Park's main canyon as a naturalist provides trailside insights.

Spend a day among hoodoos and other rock formations of Bryce Canyon National Park.

Witness sunrise and sunset at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim and enjoy a meditative hike below the rim on the North Kaibab Trail.

Featured Expert

All Experts

Jennifer Beltz

Jennifer Beltz is a former interpretive park ranger at Phantom Ranch, located in Grand Canyon National Park. She has worked as a naturalist and national park ranger throughout the United States, was co-coordinator of a Road Scholar service program that built a health clinic in Brazil, and has worked on many intergenerational programs. Jennifer has lectured in the Department of Geography and Public Planning at Northern Arizona University and has led programs for Road Scholar since 1992.

Bruce Banker

David M. Best

Joanna Joseph

Jennifer Beltz

Jeff Strang

Don Lago

Mary Best

Suggested Reading List

View 6 books

Book About History

by See List Below

Heart of the Desert Wild, Greer Chesser. 2000. Award winning book about the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument (GSENM). It covers a variety of topics from geology to history. The photography and design of this book are outstanding and remains the definitive book on the GSENM. Softbound. $24.95
A Roadside History of Utah, Cynthia L. Bennett. 1999. Compelling stories of Utah’s exceptional people. $18.00
Hole-in-the-Rock, David E. Miller. 1966. If you want to learn more about one of the epic pioneer journeys in American History this is the book. It is area related and is a good read for those interested in history. $16.00
Outlaw Tales of Utah, Michael Rutter. True stores of Utah’s most famous robbers, rustlers and bandits. $10.95

Books About Native Americans

by See List Below

Sacred Images: A Vision of Native American Rock Art, by Leslie Kelen & David Sucec 1996. Publication that features rock art and ruins of the native cultures of the southwest. $18.00
Those Who Came Before, Robert and Florence Lister. 1993. Southwestern archeology in the National Parks. $17.00

General Reference

by See List Below

A Naturalists Guide to the Canyon Country, David B. Williams. 2000. A wonderful Falcon Guide that uses fine artwork and pictures to introduce the geology, flora, fauna and history of the Canyon Country. $22.95.
Four Corners: History, Land and People of the Desert Southwest, Kenneth A. Brown. Great information about the region. $26.00
Desert Solitaire, Edward Abbey. 1968. A season in the wilderness is a celebration of the beauty of living in a harsh and hostile land. Edward Abbey was a seasonal Park ranger in Arches National Monument. $10.75
Cadillac Desert, Marc Reisner. 1986. The story of the American West is the story of a relentless quest for a precious resource: water. The definitive work on the West’s water crisis. $17.00

Books About Southwest Flora

by See List Below

Wildflowers of Southwestern Utah, Hayle Buchanan. 1992. Text covers flowers, shrubs and trees in their various life zones from Zion, Bryce and Cedar Breaks. $7.95
Canyon Country Wildflowers, Damian Fagan. 1998. A field guide to common wildflowers, shrubs and trees. $19.95
Sagebrush Country a Wildflower Sanctuary, Ronald Taylor. 1992. A field guide to common wildflowers, grasses and shrubs of the Great Basin. $14.00
Great Basin Wildflowers, Laird R. Blackwell. 2006. A guide to common wildflowers of the High Deserts of Nevada, Utah and Oregon. $22.95
Wild Plants and Native Peoples of the Four Corners, William Dunmire & Gail Tierney. 1997. A valuable book for anyone interested in plants, people, and cultures of the Colorado Plateau. $22.50
Wildflowers of the Mountain Southwest, . Meg Quinn 2000. A field guide to common upland wildflowers. $12.95
Wildflowers of the Desert Southwest, Meg Quinn. 2000. A field guide to common desert wildflowers. $9.95

Geology

by See List Below

Geology – a Golden Guide, by Frank H.T. Rhodes, 1991, St. Martin’s Press, N.Y., ISBN 1-58238-143-7. $6.95
Utah‘s Spectacular Geology, Lehi Hintze, 2005 The geologic story of Utah’s landscapes and how they came to be. $29.95
The Colorado Plateau, Don Baars A comprehensive guide to the Colorado Plateau. $19.95
The Practical Geologist, Dougal Dixon, Raymond Bernor, 1992 This book is a great introductory guide to the basics of geology. Great diagrams, pictures and is well written. $16.00
Geology Underfoot in Southern Utah, R. Orndorff, R. Wieder, D. Futey, 2006 A hands on book about getting out among the rocks. Explores 33 sites in Southern Utah. Tells of ancient eruptions, deserts, seas, swamps and movements of massive rock units over eons. $18.00
Beyond the Visible Landscape, W. Kenneth Hamblin, 2004. A unique book that consists of a series of panoramic photographs taken from the air. Focuses on the fundamental features of the landscape. Contains excellent diagrams & descriptions of the geology in the photographs. Hardbound $65.00

Geology (Specific)

by See List Below

Shadows of Time: The Geology of Bryce Canyon National Park, Frank Decourten, 1994 A book with breathtaking photographs, well written on the geology of Bryce Canyon N. P. and surrounding high plateaus. $9.95
Water, Rock, & Time: The Geologic Story of Zion National Park, Robert Eves, 2005 This book is Zion’s newest masterpiece. It is well written. It is so nice you may want to leave it on the coffee table. $19.95
Zion National Park – Towers of Stone; by J.L. Crawford; Zion Natural History Association, Springdale, Utah, Fourth Edition 2002. ISBN 0-915630-00-1 $9.50 (Available online at www.zionpark.org)
Carving Grand Canyon, Wayne Ranney. 2005. A synopsis of ideas and theories that geologists have developed over time about the carving of the Grand Canyon. This story is told in an engaging style that non-scientists will find inviting. $14.95
Canyonlands Country, Donald Baars, 1993. Geology of Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. $15.95

Afternoon: Program Registration: From 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. after you have your room assignment, come over to the Road Scholar table outside of the meeting room to register with the program staff and get your welcome packet containing your name-tag, up-to-date schedule that reflects any last-minute changes, and to learn when and where dinner and the Orientation session will take place. If your arrival is delayed, please ask for your packet when you check in.

Evening: Orientation led by our Group Leader will begin after dinner in the hotel meeting room. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer any questions you may have. Finally, everyone will introduce themselves. We will be accompanied by a Dixie State University naturalist who will serve as our Study Leader, leading hikes and field trips unless specified otherwise. Please bring a refillable water bottle on the program and on all hikes. Free time is reserved for your personal independent exploration. Evenings at leisure offer opportunities to make the program more meaningful and memorable through personal independent exploration, engaging in available activities on your own, or simply relaxing and making new friends among fellow participants. The Group Leader will always be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may be changed due to local conditions/circumstances. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Morning: Bring your luggage out to the coach and board the coach for the AM departure. Travel with your Dixie State University Naturalist/Guide who is knowledgeable and experienced in the region. While the Geology of these three Parks are important and the most obvious topics, your Naturalist/Guide will enhance your travel time with insight into the Geology, Plants and Animals, Human History and Pre-History of the of the area. Travel through the Basin and Range Province and the upper Mohave Desert, and the Virgin River Gorge, to the volcanic edge of the Colorado Plateau. En route hear a lecture on basic geology and discuss how it relates to the Color Country we are traveling through and to.

Lunch: At a local restaurant in Springdale, Utah, just outside of Zion National Park, we will have a buffet, plus coffee, tea, lemonade, water.

Afternoon: Board the coach and travel to the Zion National Park entrance and the Visitor Center. The center has a large scale relief map of the park, where you can overview what you will be seeing the next day and a half. You'll enjoy a pass through the bookstore at the center as well. Afterwards, Enjoy a short walk to the Lower Emerald Pool.

Dinner: Plated dinner at local restaurant with assorted side dishes of potatoes, rice, and vegetables, plus coffee, tea, soft drinks, and water. Alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Evening: After dinner there will be a presentation on local natural history or orientation to/overview of Zion National Park.

Morning: There is an optional pre-breakfast sunrise nature walk on the PaRus Trail, with an emphasis on the natural environment we see along the trail. The PaRus trail is lovely in the early morning - it is quiet and mostly paved (with one short uneven gravel section) along the banks of the N. Fork of the Virgin River, with good views of the Streaked Wall, the Beehives, the Watchman, Bridge Arch and Bridge Mountain. Along the Trail we can see and discuss native plants and their uses. It is slightly over 1 mile, with 50 ft. elevation loss. Following breakfast, travel to the Zion Human History Museum with its 22 minute multi-media presentation on Zion. From here, there are great views of the Towers of the Virgin and the Altar of Sacrifice. After the museum stop, shuttle on to lunch.

Lunch: Sack lunch on the trail with a variety of sandwich, chips, fruit, and dessert.

Afternoon: The shuttle will bring us to Weeping Rock where we will hike a short but steep trail. - about half a mile round trip, and about 100 feet of elevation change. En route, along the steep canyon walls are natural hanging gardens. View the Weeping Rock seep, and return to the shuttle to travel higher into the canyon. Ride up to the Temple of Sinawava stop where we will begin the trail approaching the Narrows, hiking the down and back Riverside Trail. Then walk back to the shuttle for our return to the lodge

Dinner: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like in Springdale. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Evening: Ranger Presentation by a Zion National Park Ranger in the lodge auditorium.

Morning: Board the motor coach for the northbound trip to Bryce Canyon. You'll travel through the Zion Switchbacks and Tunnels, with their "Galleries" (windows) looking onto some of Zion's most vertical rock faces. Stop at Checkerboard Mesa, and hear why it has horizontal layers and vertical cracks. We then turn north on US 89, heading up Long Valley to Bryce Canyon National Park.

Lunch: Sack lunch on the trail with a variety of sandwich, chips, fruit, and dessert.

Afternoon: Board the motor coach, travel into Bryce Canyon National Park and head for Inspiration Point. The unpaved trail there takes you in .9 mile 100 ft. down through bristlecone pines and all along the way you'll have great views of the pinnacle rock hoodoos with their diagonal scour markings. You'll love the contrast between the exposed rock hoodoos and the spruce, fir and bristlecone pine surroundings. Inspiration Point is post-card photogenic.

Dinner: Board our motorcoach to Ebenezer's Barn and Grill for dinner and a western music show. We will pick up our preselected choice of entrée from a buffet line, plus coffee, tea, soda or water. Alcohol available for purchase.

Morning: Before breakfast is the optional trip to Bryce Point. Early risers will be rewarded for their discipline when they ride our motor coach out to Bryce Point well before sunrise. Here we can watch both the brightening eastern horizon and the hoodoos change below you in Bryce Amphitheater. In the horizontal light of dawn, the colors there are wonderfully rich. After breakfast enjoy the walk to Sunrise Point. There, you'll see the famous Twinkle Toes tree, and learn about the forces of erosion. For those who want to make the hike, there is the .9 mile trail one way down 320 feet amongst the hoodoos and see Queen Victoria surveying the Queen's Garden. Participants are also welcome to hike just part of the trail. For those who prefer a more relaxed experience, there are excellent views of the garden from the rim walk. Then we'll take our motor coach on the spectacularly scenic drive to Rainbow Point.

Lunch: Sack Lunch enjoying the view at Rainbow Point at the Park's southern end at 9115 feet above sea level.

Afternoon: After lunch, there are photo opportunities at Rainbow Point. Then you'll walk .25 mile one way through a high woods (9115 ft) of many types of conifers to Yovimpa Point, with its expansive views of the Grand Staircase and Navajo Mountain to the east and the Kaibab Plateau to the south. After returning from Yovimpa Point, you'll board the motor coach and ride to the Bryce Canyon NP Visitor Center, and the return to the hotel.

Dinner: Surrounded by the majestic Ponderosa Pine Forest, the Bryce Canyon Lodge dining room is a wonderful place to relax and take in the inspiring beauty of Bryce Canyon. Enjoy dining in the style of rustic elegance from the 1930s. This certified Green Restaurant serves up an environmentally sustainable menu with regional specialties as well as organic and all natural food choices.

Evening: National Park Ranger presentation, or walk out to the rim and watch the Hoodoos change color as the sun sets behind you.

Morning: Board the motor coach for the southbound trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Travel on down several steps of the Grand Staircase to Kanab, UT where we'll visit the Grandstaircase Escalante Visitors Center. Then on into Arizona (Change to Mountain Standard Time) where the road climbs up the Kaibab Plateau. You'll stop at the LeFevre overlook where there is a larger than panoramic view of the Grand Staircase. Here you can look north and see the southern end of Bryce Canyon National Park atop the Staircase, and the tops of the Towers of Zion National Park. After nearing 8,000 ft elevation, you'll arrive at Jacob Lake for lunch at the Jacob Lake Inn.

Lunch: The Jacob Lake Inn, a pine-surrounded log structure with a fireplace and a wonderfully homey feel, will serve some of its home-cooked fare. Be sure to leave room for the baked-right-there cookies, on sale near the door as you leave.

Afternoon: After lunch you'll continue southbound across the upper reaches of Kaibab Plateau, through forests of pines, spruce, fir and quaking aspen. Learn why fire is important to the health of Ponderosa Pine forests and what happens when you suppress fires for 100 years. These are incredible woods which, with their huge meadows, give more of a feel of Montana than Arizona. Along the way you may see the unique Kaibab squirrels, wild turkeys and deer. When you arrive at Grand Canyon National Park, you have the option to walk out to Bright Angel Point. The half mile roundtrip out the spine of the ridge to the point is paved and is a little steep in places, but worth it. From the point you'll be treated to impressive colorful views stretching well down into Roaring Springs and Bright Angel Canyons. After our walk, we then check in at the Grand Canyon Lodge for our stay in the rustic cabins near the main lodge building and the canyon views on the back porch of the Grand Canyon Lodge.

Dinner: Buffet Dinner in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge Auditorium.

Evening: Presentation from a Grand Canyon National Park ranger, or go for a walk out to one of several view points overlooking the canyon to watch the stars rotate over your head.

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet including a full assortment of hot and cold items including eggs, assorted breakfast meats, seasoned potatoes, freshly baked biscuits and country gravy, french toast casserole, pastries, fruits, and yogurt.

Morning: Start your morning with a nature walk along and near the rim. Then board the motor coach and ride out to Point Imperial, the highest point on the North Rim at 8,803 feet. From the vista point here you can see the winding, narrow slash of Marble Canyon just upstream of where it breaks out into the wider Grand Canyon. The rocks of the Canyon walls are especially colorful here, offering both black and red stripes of the ancient rock.

Lunch: Sack lunch with the eastern Grand Canyon as a backdrop.

Afternoon: Board the motor coach and travel back through the N. Kaibab forest to the Grand Canyon Lodge, arriving around 2:00 PM. Here your afternoon provides you with several options. You may want to hike down the N. Kaibab trail, which drops 600 feet in 3/4 of a mile. If you're feeling less athletic but still would enjoy a good hike, try the Transept Trail from the Lodge to the ancestral puebloan ruin. Or catch an afternoon Ranger Program, or take the afternoon to relax at the coffee bar, the bookstore or saloon, or sit out on the Lodge patio and drink in the views.

Dinner: Dining in the historic Grand Canyon Lodge is truly a memorable experience. Regional as well as 1930's themed foods are featured throughout the menus. We take pride in utilizing only the freshest and healthiest ingredients. The "all natural" beef and poultry products are free of any antibodies or hormones. Salmon is wild Alaska caught. Additionally, we offer organic products such as salad greens and pastas.

Evening: Evening at leisure.

DAY

8

Program Concludes

Departures

B,L

Breakfast: Breakfast buffet including a full assortment of hot and cold items including eggs, assorted breakfast meats, seasoned potatoes, freshly baked biscuits and country gravy, French toast casserole, pastries, fruits, and yogurt.

Morning: Load into the motor coach to depart from North Rim by 7:30 AM sharp. Return to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport via St. George, UT and Mesquite, NV, to arrive at the airport by 1:30 PM and the starting hotel shortly thereafter.

Lunch: Lunch on way to airport.

Afternoon: Complete the final portion of our drive to Las Vegas, dropping participants at Las Vegas McCarran International Airport by 1:30 PM, followed by the starting hotel. This concludes our program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future.

Meals

20 Meals

7 Breakfasts

7 Lunches

6 Dinners

The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Gluten Free

Lodging

Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.

A warm welcome and a famous DoubleTree cookie wait for you at DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Las Vegas Airport. Newly remodeled for your comfort, our hotel boasts a great location, just 2 miles from Las Vegas McCarran Airport, matched by its comfortable accommodations and excellent facilities. This tranquil, non-gaming hotel near Las Vegas Airport offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service to LAS airport, and a conveniently scheduled service until 11:00 pm to The Tropicana Las Vegas on the Las Vegas Strip. Relax under clear desert skies at the side of the pool or work out in the fully-equipped fitness center. Stay connected with complimentary internet access and a 24-hour business center featuring a meeting room available on a first come, first-served basis. Your guest room at the hotel is designed to make you feel at home.

The name "Zion" means a place of peace and refuge. As a sanctuary with over 146,000 acres of cliffs, canyons, diverse plant and animal life, and uninterrupted beauty, Zion is well-named. Its massive sandstone walls, some as high as 3,800 feet, offer an opportunity for serenity and reflection for all who visit. Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920s, the Zion Lodge was destroyed by fire in 1966. That same year, the lodge was rebuilt in 100 days, quickly restoring the influx of visitors to Zion, but sacrificing the hotel's rustic design. In 1990, the exterior was restored to its original classic appearance.

The Lodge at Bryce Canyon building is a charming, timber and rock lodge Designed by Gilbert Stanley Underwood in the 1920's. Bryce Canyon Lodge - the only "in-park" lodging at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah! It is here that delicacy of form unites with brilliancy of color. From sunrise to sunset, the changing scenes pass before you in vivid reds, yellows and purples. Watch as light plays upon rock, immersing you in a dazzling light show. It's one of Mother Nature's masterpieces and it's all yours to explore from just outside your door! Completely renovated to its original rustic 1920s elegance - down to replicas of the lodge's original hickory furniture - this beautiful "in-the-park" lodge is on the National Historic Register. They are within a short walk to both the rim and the lodge. This quiet and relaxed atmosphere, without televisions, allows the guest to get reacquainted with nature. Fine dining is available in the main lodge. The motel unit was built in 1986 in the same rustic style as the original lodge. Each room has 2 queen-size beds, full bath and private porch or balcony.

The only lodging available on the North Rim, this old lodge of rough hewn logs and rocks is chiseled into the limestone of the rim itself, offering broad views of the Grand Canyon, Bright Angel Canyon, the South Rim, and the San Francisco Peaks nearly 100 miles south. Rooms are in nearby cabins on the same grounds, within walking distance of the lodge. These historic cabins are both rustic and romantic.

Road Scholar offers so many interesting trips. What I chose for my first trip was perfect. The week passed too quickly ("time flies when you're having fun!!"). I'm looking forward to my next Road Scholar experience. I would especially enjoy one led by the same people involved with the trip I recently completed.

Hi! This was my first Road Scholar trip and I had a wonderful time. I was a solo traveler and was lucky to have a wonderful woman to room with. Janice; John and Don were all great. I did have some trouble with adjusting to the altitude, but still had a great time and was able to do the hikes at my own pace and was able to turn around when I needed to. I learned quite a bit from both Janice and also fellow travelers. Can't wait to book another trip!

Led by Jennifer Beltz of NAU and Amy Calhoun, this trip was terrific. I had never visited these national parks. With their knowledge of, and love for, the geology, flora and fauna, and Native American history of these places, Jennifer and Amy made them come alive for me.

Excellent trip to three superb locations. By all means choose a date where you can stay in lodging inside the parks--well worth it. The trip accommodated people with different levels of interest in physical activity. I came with friends who were interested in additional, somewhat strenuous hiking and we had opportunities in all three parks. Very memorable experience.

This is an awesome trip - our guides John and Janice were knowledgeable and helpful; our driver Glenn kept us on time and safe and the walks are doable if you are in reasonable shape. Take your time and listen to your body. Can't wait to go back to Bryce Canyon!!

This was a great program for my wife and me. It provided a compromise between our different levels of interest in outdoor activity. We met others with both common and different interests. And, the program provided fun learning opportunities.

This program was an absolutely perfect way to experience these three national parks! I met wonderful people, learned so much about the geology and history of this part of the country, and enjoyed being outside hiking in nature each day. The program was the perfect length, and the historic accommodations in the park made it extra special.

Had a wonderful time! Each canyon felt different and they were spectacular. Pictures never do these sites justice, you just have to be there. As a solo traveler on my first Road Scholar trip, I was concerned about how it would go but it was great. My fellow travelers were all friendly and I never felt alone. Janice, our Educator, had a way of explaining geology that made it fun to learn. I will never be able to forget the ice cream rock layers! And John, our Coordinator, was wonderful. He always kept track of the last person on our hikes. You will never get left behind! Would do it again in a minute.

Wonderful trip. I was afraid each of the three parks would be repeats - but each was unique and amazin. Even the bus ride between parks was time well spent. Here is link to video I made with everything we did - including clever commentary from out two great guides. It's a YouTube link. https://youtu.be/ZXgWnGehVTo

We are so glad that we attended this program. There are so many travel choices out there, and this was the right choice for us. We considered driving to these parks on our own but are quite sure that we had a much better experience with Road Scholar.

This tour from October 6-13 visited beatific places, included quite marvelous hikes, included delicious meals, and Eldon and Diane were energetic and friendly leaders. They really packed our days with fun and learning experiences.

If you want to see various rock formations and/or layers, out of this world landscapes, this is the trip. Hike were just challenging enough. The food was really good. Everybody should be required to see the hoodoos!!!!!!!!!!

I have taken nine Road Scholar trips. "The Best of Color National Parks Zion, Bryce and Grand Canyon" was one of my very favorites. I especially enjoyed staying in the park lodges and being able to step out of my room and experience the vast beauty of each park.

This was my first Road Scholar trip and it was just the BEST! The staff were amazing people and unbelievably organized. The parks left me speechless. SO BEAUTIFUL! I really love learning new things and can't think of a better way to do so! I can't wait until I retire and have the time to participate in tons of new programs!!!

Having never been to any of these national parks, this was a great introduction. There were so many breathtaking moments to experience in the Utah and Arizona landscape! David Boyce shared his geology expertise in a relaxed manner which really enhanced the program. Marcia and Kelly Cooper were wonderful in handling trip logistics and added so much personal warmth. The group was most congenial. Overall, Road Scholar did a fine job!

My first Road Scholar trip to Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon was a complete success and exceeded my expectations! For a stress-free vacation that is interesting and fulfilling, you can't beat Road Scholar and I look forward to my next adventure.

I very much doubt that it would be possible for travelers to schedule and get access to see the diversity of places and learn something of the geology on their own, much less in the time scheduled, and certainly not for the small cost involved. All of the highly qualified and experienced staff members do everything possible to assure a great learning experience, all the while looking after the groups safety, welfare and congeniality.

This was a wonderful trip! Having two days at each site felt just right. Eldon and Diane Griffin, our trip leaders, were wonderful -- knowledgeable, personable, and very organized. We would travel with them again any time. This was our first Road Scholar trip but it won't be our last.

Great trip! Lots of information. Eldon and Diane helped make the trip smooth, on time. Our bus drive Mike Taylor went out of his way to be helpful, worked continually cleaning not only the bus but also the park sites at each stop.

This trip was well organised. The detailed information packet we got well in advance was very helpful since I participated the trip from
abroad and didn't know much about Road Scholar. The program to the three desert National Parks, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Bryce was spectacular.
Thank you Eldon, Diane, and Jerry!

This is a great trip for people interested in spectacular scenery, unique geology, and interesting flora and fauna. The leaders adapt to participants' individual abilities, but even the easiest hikes are wonderful. The hike down to the Queen's Garden in Bryce is a highlight if you can handle a somewhat more rigorous hike. Finally, this trip is a bargain: we have seen similar trips advertised with other organizations at a much higher price tag.

From the sublimity of natures wonders to the ridiculousness of Las Vegas, I experienced the wonders of God-made and the the absurdity of man-made on a huge scale. You cannot be on the fence as to what is impressive after this trip!

Outstanding program. The views and scenery were a given, and i cant rate our guides high enough. Everyone did their job well. In particular, Eldon made the tour with his knowledge and information. He is a walking encyclopedia. Thank you to Eldon, Diane, and Jerry for providing such a fine experience.

The Road Scholar program to the three desert National Parks, Zion, Grand Canyon, and Bryce was spectacular. The Team Leaders were knowledgeable, fun and entertaining. The accommodations at the parks was as good as it gets at each of the parks. The scenery was breathtaking. The program was very accommodating to hikers with different activity levels.

This trip was well organized and paced. The participants were very interesting, flexible and thoughtful. The organizer, the guide and the driver were all first rate. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone interested in nature, beauty, flora, fauna, outstanding scenery and/or landscape photography.

Can only concur with everyone else. Jen and Jeff are great to have as leaders. They know the area so well and the locations worked terrific. We love the program and learned so much about the geologic time and space. Finally get it and to see how different each park is from the others, it finally began to make sense.

you don't want to miss this trip if Bryce, zion and the north rim of the canyon are on your bucket list - jen & jeff are the toping on the cake! - Geologist & naturalist extraordinaire - earned applause for extras that added special moments throughout!

The Color Country Canyon trip was a wonderful experience with trip leaders who were friendly & knowledgeable. I highly recommend this trip ~ I feel lucky that my first trip to Zion, Grand Canyon North Rim and Bryce was with these Road Scholar leaders who made these areas come alive!

The Color Canyon Tour was fantastic on every level. Darrell and Paula were the quintessential, knowledgeable, entertaining and generous leaders of a beautiful trip. Our whole group had fun getting to know each other as we traveled the canyons.

This program was a fine way to be introduced to these spectacular National Parks. It has encouraged me to return again. Our leaders, Bruce Banker and David Best, were outstanding interpreters of the geology and history of the canyon parks.

The beauty of Nature, the high quality of professionalism of Bruce, Dave and Alex, the terrific camaraderie which developed, made for a glorious trip. Don't forget fun with FON.
Renée Englander
Woodstock NY

Our guides, David and Bruce, enabled us to really see these amazing natural wonders by leading us to an understanding the geology of these parks. Just as amazing was the fellowship created by forty-one of my fellow travelers!

I agree with David that "Utah Rocks" and enjoyed Bruce's storytelling such as the "Roll A Way" Saloon. Also, great camaraderie as we hiked Zion, North Rim Grand Canyon and drew close to Hoodoos and spires in Red Canyon.

I booked this trip a week before our departure date and I’m so glad I did. What a week of unforgettable scenery, outstanding tour leaders, a great roommate, and a friendly group of lifelong learners. Our guides Bruce and David were organized, gifted story tellers, full of information about the Southwest—and set the tone for an amazing week. Our driver Alex was the best, and kept us safe during our travels. Thank you all so much!

Color Country was a great program which had us visiting beautiful places. Paula and Darrell and Jerry took great care of us and shared their love of Utah with us. It is always fun to stay in national park lodging and eat in their dining room.

This was a wonderful trip and a great introduction to all three parks. Our group was in Zion when the floods occurred, so we did miss a couple of minor things. However, our leaders Jennifer and Amy managed to rise to the occasion and still give us a great tour. I highly recommend this trip, as well as the Four Corners Canyon Country trip. Both are run by NAU.

This is an exceptional trip that allows you to see Zion, Bryce and the Grand Canyon in a relatively short period of time. The learning experiences provided by our leader, Darrell McMahon. throughout the trip were outstanding. This is one great adventure.

Having gone on 8-9 Road Scholar programs I can say with certainty that Northern Arizona University does an exceptional job in running their many programs with passionate and knowledgeable leadership as well as great locations. This particular trip has a relatively easy pace, very good accommodations & food, and jaw dropping scenery I can only describe as a visual feast. Come prepared to learn a lot about geology and the human history of the locations you will visit. You will be glad you went. Mike Hagearty, Atlanta, GA

This program was a great way to experience Zion, Bryce, and the Grand Canyon. We saw and learned much more than we could ever have done on our own. Darrell and Paula were great coordinators and Liann was a fantastic bus driver.

This is a wonderful program. Darrel and Paula Mcmahon were wonderful leaders. I learned a lot. Each of the 3 parks we visited were beautiful but very different. The little cabins at the north rim of the Grand Canyon were rustic and delightful.

This was a fabulous trip. Accommodations in the parks made it extra special. I enjoy hiking and being active. My husband enjoys that less. This trip accommodated us both very nicely; I was able to hike in to the canyons with good company, while he chose to enjoy the views from the rims. We were both very satisfied.

Karen from Decatur, iL
Number of programs attended: 12
Date attended: 8/11/15 - 8/18/15
If you can take this program on a date when you stay in lodges or cabins in the parks, do it. That way you can see Bryce Canyon and Grand Canyon at sunrise and at sunset. The views are breathtaking, and the stars at night are awesome. Our guide Darrell was a wealth of information about EVERYTHING. Take. Good hiking shoes and a hiking stick.

I loved this trip. Picked the NAU sponsored date with lodging in the parks after viewing the DVD mentioned. A real plus to be so close to the rims at Bryce and the Grand Canyon as well as being right in the canyon at Zion. Breath taking views that exceeded my expectations even tho I had anticipated the trip for nearly a full year. And I can't praise the group leaders enough for their patience and the seemingly effortless explanations of the geology and plant life I found so different than MN!

This has to be on your Bucket List. This very program, with all accomodations in the National Parks. Wake up early and walk to the rim of Bryce Canyon to see the colors change as the sun rises. Step outside your cabin at Zion and look all around you at the massive, towering walls. Stand at night on the edge, the very edge of the North Rim and watch the stars appear, listen to the night, then walk back to your cabin in the quiet dark. It's magical and moving and overwhelming. Jeff and Carl are walking encyclopedias, entertaining and informing and encouraging and really caring that your experience on this trip is the best it can be. Meals with other travelers are fun, the bus ride lessons and readings are excellent. GO.

If you have ever felt that you wanted to see these three National Parks THIS IS THE WAY TO DO IT. Staying in the Parks was such great experience. When there was free time you could go explore on your own by just walking out the door of your accomodation. Seeing the sunrise and sunset in just a few steps was great!!!